PIPELINE, Oahu, Hawaii (Tuesday, December 10, 2013) Mick Fanning (AUS) and coach Phil MacNamara (AUS) discuss tactics.   - The 2013 Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons resumed today in six foot (2 metre) barrels and there was no shortage of drama in the ASP World Title race between Mick Fanning (AUS), 32, and Kelly Slater (USA), 41. There was also a shift in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Rankings as well as qualification developments for the 2014 WCT.<br /> <br /> The Billabong Pipe Masters represents the pinnacle of the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour, deciding the ASP World Title, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, and final slots for 2014 ASP WCT qualification.<br /> <br /> Mick Fanning, two-time ASP World Champion and current No. 1, dominated his Round 3 clash with wildcard Kaimana Jaquias (HAW), 20, but unexpectedly erred in his three-man Round 4 heat against John John Florence (HAW), 21, and Nat Young (USA), 22. A last minute paddle battle with heat leader Florence in the closing seconds of the match took him from second to third and now pits him against one of the best Pipeline surfers in the world: C.J. Hobgood (USA), 34, in Round 5. Meanwhile, Slater skips Round 5 and heads straight to the Quarterfinals after his Round 4 win.<br /> <br /> Clearly disappointed with his misstep, Fanning couldn&rsquo;t leave the beach fast enough and wasn&rsquo;t prepared to talk about how this affects his approach to the final day of competition.<br /> <br /> Kelly Slater was electric in his bid for a historic 12th ASP World Title, earning the high heat-totals of both Round 3 and 4. Slater tore past Mitch Crews (AUS), 23, with a 17.66 out of 20 heat total for incredible Pipeline and Backdoor barrels and backed up the performance with a 17.50 out of 20 in Round 4.<br /> Photo: joliphotos.com
{}